Liverpool head coach Arne Slot serenaded the supporters while paying tribute to Jurgen Klopp during a memorable moment on the pitch at Anfield – after the Reds were confirmed as Premier League champions.
The Dutchman secured the English top flight title at the first time of asking after succeeding his German counterpart in the dugout. Many observers had written the Merseysiders off as credible challengers for the crown as they looked to adapt to life without arguably the most significant figure in the club’s recent history.
However, Slot’s meticulous approach put his team in pole position to claim a first title in front of fans at Anfield since 1990 heading into this weekend’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur. Rapturous celebrations ensued at the final whistle during a landmark occasion in L4 as Liverpool secured a historic triumph with a 5-1 victory.
Following the game, the Reds supporters hailed their heroes in memorable scenes, as the players and coaching staff expressed their gratitude towards the Kop. Lining up in front of the famous grandstand at the club’s hallowed old ground, basked in the glory of their momentous feat amid a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
Supporters then proceeded to sing the names of each member of the squad in a moving moment which demonstrated the unity between the fanbase and the stars on the pitch. They also heralded Slot’s mesmeric achievement, as the Dutchman returned the gesture as he addressed the crowd on the mic.
With shades of similar scenes which took place on the field at Klopp’s farewell following the final game of last season, the former Feyenoord man even broke into song. Drenched in beer by his surrounding players, the Reds boss’ elation was plain to see as he chanted the name of the man he succeeded – singing “Jurgen Klopp” to the tune of Opus’ “Life is Life”.
(Image: Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp celebrates winning the Premier League title in 2020.)
Fans will recall the man Slot replaced making a request to Kopites to back his replacement in a rousing speech, which also included him chanting the name of his peer. The charismatic German asserted: “You welcome the new manager like you welcomed me. You go all-in from the first day. And you keep believing and you push the team,” before leading the crowd in song in a seminal moment.”
Fast forward a year and it is clear that supporters took heed of the previous manager’s words, as Slot himself acknowledged the significance of his own achievements in his first season at Anfield. Speaking as the league championship was confirmed, he said: “It was clear we couldn’t lose this game.
“Everyone on the bus said there’s no way we’re going to lose this game. They always find a way to win. Incredibly proud, not only of the players but the people standing here, sport directors, my staff members, we should give them a big round of applause. Let’s forget it’s the second in 35 years, it’s the second in five years.”
